Problem 1
Dust collecting on furniture is an everyday example of a sedimentary process. Provide another example of a sedimentary process that might be observed in or around where you live.
Problem 2
Discuss two reasons sedimentary rocks are more likely to contain fossils than igneous rocks.
Problem 3
Imagine you are studying sedimentary deposits in an abandoned river channel. You see layers of well-sorted sand alternating with coarser-grained, poorly sorted material consisting of sand, gravel, and rock fragments. How would you interpret the history of this river channel based on these layers of sediment? What might the layers indicate about possible changes in climate conditions and the flow of water in the river in the past?
Problem 4
If you hiked to a mountain peak and found limestone at the top, what would that indicate about the likely geologic history of the rock atop the mountain?
Problem 6
While on a field trip with your geology class, you stop at an outcrop of sandstone. An examination with a hand lens shows that the sandstone is poorly sorted and rich in feldspar and quartz. Your instructor tells you that the sediment was derived from one of two sites in the area. Select the most likely site and explain your choice. What name is given to this type of sandstone? Site #1 A nearby exposure of weathered basaltic lava flows. Site #2 An outcrop of granite at the previous field trip stop up the road.
Problem 7
Every year about 20,000 pounds of stone, sand and gravel are mined for each person in the United States. a. Calculate how many pounds of stone, sand, and gravel will be needed for an individual during an 80 -year lifespan. b. If one cubic yard of rock weighs roughly 1700 pounds, how big a hole (cubic yards) must be dug to supply an individual with 80 years' worth of stone, sand, and gravel? c. A typical pickup truck can carry about a half cubic yard of rock. How many pickup truck loads would be necessary during the 80 -year span?
